Jet-setting gang accused of Singapore burglaries

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Five alleged high-flying burglars from Hong Kong have been captured by Singapore police who say the men made regular business trips there to rob wealthy homeowners.

They face up to 14 years' jail each if convicted.

The Straits Times reported that the five men, aged between 39 and 46, were believed to have been behind more than 10 burglaries in the wealthy suburbs of Bukit Timah and Dunearn during the past three months.

The men travelled from home to home in hired cars during what Superintendent Ng Boon Gay said were regular trips to Singapore. The men were arrested on Friday during three simultaneous raids. More than S$30,000 (HK$127,500) in local and foreign currency was seized. Police also recovered jewellery and bottles of liquor.

Police said the men broke into homes by forcing open balcony doors and second-floor windows. Also seized were a 400-watt electric saw and charger, among other tools.

Police arrested three of the men in a rental car, another at a hotel and the fifth at a friend's home. They will be charged with house-breaking and retaining stolen property dishonestly.

Hong Kong police said they were not dealing with the case as it was a Singapore matter.